Verbal Abuse of Children

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that considerable progress has been made towards the SDGs since 2015, though it is still slow. Conflicts, environmental, financial, health and humanitarian crises place children at risk of multiple rights violations, violence, marginalization, and discrimination. The scale of violence against children in the 21st century is incredibly high, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.Verbal or emotional abuse is a form of behavior that can harm a child’s emotional development or sense of self-esteem. This form of abuse may include threats, constant criticism, rejection, as well as lack of love, guidance, support. In many cases it is rather difficult to prove an emotional abuse and accordingly, child protective services may not be able to take measures and somehow intervene without evidence of harm or mental injury to the child. Verbal abuse may have a number of different patterns, including blaming, criticism, judging, threats, insults. Accordingly, abuses like these can impact every element of life, including academic performance, relationships, success at work and later in life. Verbal abuse like any other form of bullying and insult may have both short-term and long-term consequences, including the following mental health problems: chronic stress decreased self-esteem, anxiety, depression and etc. Verbal abuse during childhood can have lifelong implications for victims, effecting their well-being and progress. Although the physical wounds may heal, there are many long-term consequences of experiencing the trauma of abuse. Maltreated and insulted children may be at risk of experiencing cognitive delays and emotional difficulties, among other issues, which can affect many aspects of their lives, including their academic outcomes and social skills development. Experiencing verbal abuse during childhood also is a risk factor for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.Changing societal attitudes and norms is an important part of preventing violence against children, which often requires changing well-established social and cultural norms and behaviors. Especially those according to which some forms of violence are not only normal, but sometimes can be justified. A more benevolent attitude towards non-violent methods of upbringing should be developed and, most importantly, an awareness of what constitutes a violent act should be raised.